DR Congo Reopens Airport at Centre of Ebola Outbreak After 10-Day Closure

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reopened the main airport serving Ituri Province, the region at the centre of the country’s ongoing Ebola outbreak, after a 10-day suspension of commercial flight operations.

The airport in Bunia, the provincial capital, resumed operations on Tuesday following what government officials described as a successful implementation of health and safety measures designed to protect travellers and prevent further spread of the deadly disease.

Commercial flights had been suspended on May 23 after health authorities raised concerns about the rapid spread of Ebola within affected communities. During the closure, only humanitarian and medical flights were permitted to operate into and out of the airport.

The outbreak has become a major public health concern in Central Africa, with the African Union’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reporting hundreds of suspected deaths and infections across the region.

Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba said the temporary closure was necessary to allow authorities establish robust health screening procedures and strengthen monitoring systems at the airport. According to the government, officials conducted a comprehensive review of the containment measures before approving the reopening.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of Transport said assessments showed that conditions were now suitable for the gradual and safe restoration of commercial air services. The reopening is expected to ease transportation challenges in Ituri, a conflict-affected region where air travel plays a critical role in humanitarian operations, trade and movement of essential personnel.

Despite the resumption of flights, health authorities have maintained strict surveillance measures and advised travellers to comply fully with screening requirements. The Ebola outbreak continues to pose a serious challenge to health officials, with authorities stressing that vigilance remains critical to preventing wider transmission.

International health agencies are also working closely with Congolese authorities to strengthen response efforts and support disease containment measures in affected communities.

Officials insist that while flights have resumed, public health precautions will remain in place for the foreseeable future as the country battles the outbreak.